33-year-old Derry record-breaker dies

Former Derry City and Glenavon striker dies following brain tumour

Four years ago, Mark Farren overtook Liam Coyle's tally as Derry City's record goalscorer. He took his tally for the club to 114 in 209 outings, but by then he'd already signed a pre-contract to join Irish League side Glenavon the following year. He notched a remarkable 15 goals in just ten outings for the Lurgan Blues, before being forced into early retirement due to his health.

This morning, Farren lost his brave battle against cancer as he tried to defeat the disease for a third time. He was diagnosed with a grade four brain tumour earlier this year for the third time in six years, and alongside wife Terri-Louise, travelled to Mexico to seek treatment that was unavailable in Europe.

Despite the short-term nature of his spell at Mourneview Park, he led Gary Hamilton's side out for the 2014 Irish Cup final at Windsor Park.

The Donegal-native played for Derry over the course of nine seasons, having enjoyed spells at Tranmere Rovers, Finn Harps and Monaghan United.

“We have lost a very special person,” Gary Hamilton told the Lurgan Mail.

“He was an incredible man. Most of all, he was humble and despite being perhaps one of the greatest finishers in our game, he was always trying to improve and get better.